Scholes Eyes Baliba Deal? A Cautious Take on Manchester United’s Midfield Future
29 November 2025
Context and Scholes' reservations
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has warned his former club against pursuing Brighton's Carlos Baliba, a midfielder valued at around £100 million, saying there are doubts about his true quality.
United had previously attempted to sign Baliba last summer, but Brighton stood firm on a fee above £100m.
Baliba, midfield targets, and United's January plans
According to reports this week, Baliba remains among the candidates to bolster the midfield under Ruben Amorim, alongside Elliot Anderson and Adam Warton, while United are also weighing a cheaper option like Joao Gomes of Wolverhampton as the closest to a deal.
In discussions linked to the club’s midfield needs, Scholes assessed Baliba's physical attributes, noting Baliba’s small stature and questioning whether his technical level meets the required standard, suggesting Baliba may resemble Caicedo in some aspects but not entirely the right fit for United.
He added that Caicedo performed well at Chelsea, but questioned whether Baliba represents the exact type of midfielder United require at this stage.
Scholes then commented on Adam Warton, describing him as a very good player, but questioning whether he can cover the whole pitch at Old Trafford, which demands a blend of physicality and relentless movement.
Regarding Elliot Anderson, Scholes acknowledged the England international's recent good form, noting he had impressed at Newcastle and had shown qualities that could suit a midfield role for England, including a surprising versatility.
When considering who might best fit United's traditional midfield, Scholes suggested that Warton could be the preferred option. He observed that none of the three mirrors United's classic midfield perfectly, with all three leaning toward a more modern style, but he believed Warton offers a touch more quality than Baliba, making the choice a close call.
In a separate Sky Sports interview, Scholes elaborated on the potential impact of Baliba, Warton, and Anderson on United's midfield dynamics, reiterating that Anderson has caught the eye with England and suggesting his development could suit United well.
Alongside the discussion, a linked preview of Crystal Palace vs Manchester United, scheduled for 30 November 2025 at 13:00, is referenced, including team crests and a snapshot of the Premier League context surrounding the transfer chatter.
Punchlines: If Baliba joins, United could boast the most expensive midfield cable for a short sprint—fast, flashy, and occasionally tangled. And if things don’t materialize, United can still stage a relay race in the middle, passing the ball and hoping the baton never drops.
